Daughter of a Brazilian dad & British mom, and having lived in both countries, this vocalist was well-prepared to create this masterful musical fusion of two worlds. Traditional Bahia rhythms meld seamlessly with arrangements inspired by classic & modern British & US artists. Lots of variety. Explore!

From the isolated jungle city of Iquitos, Peru on the Amazon River, here is the first Amazonian band to electrify the local dance music & kick-start the Cumbia Amazonica movement. Founded in 1968 by a father & his 5 sons, the EP features Chicha – Peruvian Cumbia with indigenous melodies incorporating surf & psychedelic rock. […]

The Music Action Lab was set up for musicians who seek to have a social impact through music. The 9 musicians on this CD were selected from nearly 100 applicants from 22 countries to collaborate in creating this original music with socially conscious themes. Influences from the Middle East, India/Pakistan, and more. Diverse styles but […]

Sarod master & composer Whetzel first met the Algerian-born Parisian poet YAS more than a decade ago, & they have yearned to pursue a collaboration ever since. Finally, they have reunited to make this music, and it was well worth the wait! This combination of rhythmic musical arrangements & the recitation of French poetry works […]

Who are these musicians? No idea…! Nothing on Google except access to songs. Anyway, great Latin folk with lots of heart & soul. The on-line cover says 100% Cuban music, but it reminds us of the beautiful folksy street music heard on the Pacific coast of South America. Check it out!

This Lebanese jazz pianist & composer explores the music of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, khaleej music with roots in African polyrhythm, like jazz has. These mostly original tunes reconnect Arabic, African, & western jazz while preserving Arabic quarter tones & styles, with pleasing effect. All good…Wonderful music! Filed in World section

The product of a collaborative musical residency hosted by this Brooklyn-based artist collective and involving musicians from Pakistan, India, & America. Running through the tracks are influences from all of these places: Sufi Ghazals, Bengali & Tamil folk tunes, & even Appalachian fiddle. Celebrates our common humanity. Fantastic music!

Folksy East LA Latin band that mixes traditional and modern Mexican/Latin influences while singing about their largely immigrant community and the challenges they face in achieving their dreams in today’s America.

Her fifth studio album in 27 years, this powerful vocalist obviously puts much thought into her compositions. Here she seeks to speak to the new generation in Mali, but using many traditional instruments & with much respect for Mali’s musical heritage. Outstanding!

Malian desert blues from a master guitarist who played for years with Ali Farka Toure, performing with an impressive collection of fellow musicians; their band is called BanKaiNa. All original compositions (the first seven are by Kelly). Great new sounds from the Sahara!

The Loreena McKennitt of Tunisia? One might say this brings to mind a fusion of Celtic & Arabic soundscapes, with creative vocals that soar, throbbing Tunisian-style percussion, delicate layers of electronica, & fascinating arrangements featuring traditional Tunisian instruments. Known for her anthems during the Tunisian revolution, the theme here is a condemnation of dictatorship. Last […]

A collection of ragas faithful to the tradition of the Kirana Gharana and the 13th century musician Gopal Nayak. Vocalist Ustad Ali Khan is a descendant of this line, born in Kairana in Uttar Pradesh (India), from which this music gets its name. You can feed your spirituality with this.

More fine tunes from this Ithaca, NY based Afrobeat-jazz-space band. More than a dozen musicians, with an amazing percussion, a blazing brass section, bass you can feel in your stomach, layers of synthesizer & other embellishments, exciting compositions… Don’t miss this!

New songs from a remarkable Malian guitarist (& son of superstar Ali Farka Touré), recorded in a NY studio with a live audience. Lots of guests & two tracks with Idan Raichel on keyboards. Title means “second born,” an auspicious position in Malian families. Exciting guitar & compositions!

Second collection of Afro-Cuban gems from this creative young (born 1993) Cuban singer-songwriter, first discovered & nurtured professionally by Gillies Peterson of Havana Cultura fame. All tracks composed by Arocena & recorded in Cuba with contributions from 20 other talented musicians plus some super producers & arrangers.

New tracks recorded in Bogota, Colombia with 35 contributing musicians led by Will (Quantic) Holland & Mario Galeano. Elevates traditional Colombian music to the point of doing righteous homage to centuries of African, English, & Spanish cultural heritage. Exceptional!

The vibrancy of live music, the poignancy that flows from an ensemble of top-tier musicians led by this gifted composer/pianist, the spice of musical traditions from places far away with hot climates…it’s all here. All compositions by Mariah Parker. Filed under World/International